Modern consumers expect and enjoy a lot of choice. We’re offered options for everything from banking packages to the amount of pulp in our orange juice. But not every American consumer has that same kind of choice when it comes to the essentials of electricity and natural gas.
The U.S. is a mixed bag when it comes to energy. Some states are still monopolized: customers have no choice but pay the set rate to the local utility. It’s an antiquated system, one unsuited to support the energy revolution we need to combat the climate crisis. We need to move away from that reliance on large, centralized, top-down energy suppliers. We need to move away from a system that provides customers no choice.
Other states have deregulated energy to varying degrees, allowing multiple suppliers to operate without set pricing. Consumers in those markets are empowered by the freedom to choose what works best for them. Here’s how they benefit:
Shopping for the best deal. Energy is not cheap; ensuring you’re getting the best deal possible can make a big difference in your household or business budget. In a deregulated market, prices aren’t set and suppliers have to be competitive to survive. Consumers can shop around for the lowest available rate – or even better, have a professional do the legwork for them.
No surprises. Some surprises are great. Surprises on your energy bill aren’t. Consumers in deregulated markets have the option to lock into fixed rate contracts. If energy prices go up — and everything from economic conditions to weather can cause fluctuations – rates remain the same. That predictability makes it much easier to budget.
Enjoy bells and whistles. Suppliers in deregulated markets often offer innovative promotions and great loyalty programs to win customers over. That means consumers can shop around not just for price, but other benefits and goodies as well.
Stellar customer service. Suppliers in deregulated markets know that a bad experience can send a customer packing up and heading to the competition. Consumers benefit from great customer service.
Go green. Deregulation helps sustainable energy suppliers enter the market. Consumers looking to reduce their carbon footprint are able to match up with suppliers with the same green mindset.
A better understanding. In a deregulated market, consumers have more incentive to learn more about energy systems, their consumption, conservation, as well as market trends. In all things, including the purchase of energy, knowledge is power!
Energy CX operates in every deregulated market and works with 85 different energy suppliers. Let us know if you’re interested in finding the lowest rate for electricity and gas.